Save your document as a Microsoft word document, preferably with the .doc extension (this is word 97-2003 document in the “save as type” dialog box).

Your title should say the issue date followed by the topic or name (whichever is shortest), for example: March2014LandUsePlan.doc

Word count- unless otherwise agreed upon:

Columns, news articles and features- 500-650 words

Announcements, community highlights and events- 150-200 words

Include with your article the following, organized in this order:

Author name:

First, Last- title optional

Article headline:

Something catchy, the shorter the better

Article subheading (optional):

If you have a sub-heading include it

Article blurb (optional):

2-3 sentences summarizing the main subject of the article

Article text:

single spaced, no indent, hard return between paragraphs.

Word count:

Full count of article text, minus headline, title and details

Suggested pull quote (optional):

Quotes of interest

Author bio (optional):New authors can submit an optional headshot to be included with article.

Include a small paragraph, 20-40 words or so, summarizing who you are. Ex: Jeni Jenkins is a freelance graphic designer and currently an active member of Northside Community Council

Relevant links or more information to include (optional):

Include pertinent information such as websites, contacts, phone numbers, etc.

Sidebars (optional)

Small sub-stories related to the main article

Image Submission Guidelines: Please be certain that you have permission of the owner of the image first. Attach the images as jpegs/png/pdf in the same email as the article. PLEASE DO NOT EMBED THE PHOTOS IN THE ARTICLE OR SEND LINKS TO IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD

Image(s) description:

Image 1: (title)

Image 2: (title)

Image caption(s):

Caption Image 1

Caption Image 2

Suggestions: date, location, name of subject(s), describe the actions taking place etc. Also, if using someone else’s images be sure and get their permission to use and include the photographer’s name. If they didn’t take it, but submitted it, say submitted by:Label image and image description with same title